By Neo Kolane
The National University of Lesotho (NUL) will start offering a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and Media studies in the next academic year.
This was disclosed by Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Kananelo Mosito as he provided an update on the last statement of the university that journalism and media courses would be introduced in 2019.
Mosito explained that in Lesotho’s higher education, before a programme is introduced at a particular school, it needs to be accredited and be run through the structures of NUL.
“In order for all structures to be exhausted, it starts in the departments and faculties concerned which is where the expertise is.
“It will now be handed to the Councilor of Higher Education, which is a higher education regulatory body in Lesotho.
“With this particular programme, it went through all the necessary stages until it was handed over to the Council of Higher Education (CHE),” Mosito said.
He said experts assessed the quality of the programme and CHE advised NUL to fix some of the study contents of the programme.
“We assessed if everything is fine with running the programme and we are awaiting an answer from CHE.
“As far NUL is concerened, we have long finalized whatever was needed with the dean of humanities,” Mosito said.
According to NUL, introducing this course is part of the county’s bid to promote freedom of expression and freedom to receive and information. This programme will be supported by the United States (US) government.
The U.S Ambassador to Lesotho, Rebecca Gonzales told the media that freedom of expression and freedom of information is enshrined as a basic human right in the African Charter of Human and People’s Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1948.
The U.S government has shown support on the development and implementation of this new academic programme with a grant of more than M750 000 and other technical support.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Olusola-Fajana said partnerships are a critical component of the university’s development and growth.
“NUL continually initiates partnerships which are formalised through agreements, contracts and memoranda of understanding.
“These partnerships are led and coordinated by several faculties and department staff,” Fajana said.
